Woman accused in connection with the death of a Nairobi hospital director has moved to court seeking to be released from custody, arguing that new medical findings point to natural causes of death.
Beatrice Wangari has filed an urgent application before the High Court at Kibera challenging a detention order issued earlier by a magistrate in the ongoing investigations into the death of Nairobi hospital director Dr. Job Lukuru Obwaka.
Through her advocate, Levi Munyeri, Wangari argues that her continued detention is no longer justified following the release of post-mortem findings indicating that the deceased died from cardiac arrest linked to pre-existing heart conditions.
In court filings, the defence maintains that she is being held “despite clear medical evidence showing a natural cause of death, with no direct link established between the applicant and any criminal conduct.”
Arrest Following Death at Nairobi Hospital
The case stems from the death of Dr. Obwaka, who was pronounced dead on 1st May 2026 at Nairobi Hospital after being taken there for treatment.
Following the incident, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations took Wangari into custody as part of initial inquiries into suspected poisoning.
She was later arraigned in Kibera law court, where investigators successfully applied for her continued detention for ten days to allow them to complete their investigations.
Defence Challenges Basis of Detention
Wangari’s legal team argues that the magistrate’s decision was made without crucial medical evidence, noting that no post-mortem had been conducted at the time the detention order was granted.
They contend that the court relied on incomplete information and that the detention was therefore premature and unjustified.
Post-Mortem Findings Indicate Natural Causes
A post-mortem examination conducted on 5th May 2026 at Lee Funeral Home, in the presence of senior government pathologists, concluded that Dr. Obwaka died of cardiac arrest caused by underlying heart conditions.
The defence says the findings were agreed upon by all medical experts involved, effectively ruling out poisoning as a cause of death.
Urgent Court Application for Release
In a Certificate of Urgency, Wangari’s lawyers urge the High Court to intervene, arguing that new medical evidence fundamentally changes the basis of the detention.
They further submit that her continued custody violates her constitutional rights, including the right to liberty and the presumption of innocence.
The court has been asked to revise the earlier ruling and consider releasing her on reasonable bail pending the conclusion of investigations.
Affidavit Details Her Position
In her sworn affidavit, Wangari confirms that the post-mortem was conducted in the presence of the Chief Government Pathologist.
She also argues that waiting for further toxicology results is unnecessary, stating that the cause of death has already been scientifically established.
Wangari adds that the next mention date set for 14th May 2026 is too far away given the new developments in the case.
Police Post-Mortem Record
Police records show that Dr. Obwaka’s body was identified by his son, Dr. Christopher Obwaka, and his wife, Mrs. Everrose Obwaka.
The report confirms that he died on 1st May 2026 at approximately 6:00 pm at Nairobi Hospital.
The High Court is now expected to determine whether the detention order should be set aside in light of the post-mortem findings and whether the suspect should be released pending further investigations.
